Rema has once again sent fans into a frenzy, this time by dropping a surprise freestyle video over Shallipopi’s viral street anthem, Laho.
In the clip, the Calm Down crooner is seen vibing effortlessly to the hard-hitting beat of Laho, adding his own smooth verses and melodic flow to the mix. While it’s not an official remix, Rema’s unique spin on the track has ignited excitement online, with many fans hailing it as a standout moment and
Rema has once again sent fans into a frenzy, this time by dropping a surprise freestyle video over Shallipopi’s viral street anthem, Laho.
In the clip, the Calm Down crooner is seen vibing effortlessly to the hard-hitting beat of Laho, adding his own smooth verses and melodic flow to the mix. While it’s not an official remix, Rema’s unique spin on the track has ignited excitement online, with many fans hailing it as a standout moment and even calling for a full collaboration between the two stars.
Asides from this update by Rema, Shallipopi’s original Laho has been dominating the streets with its raw energy and Pluto-inspired swagger. Rema’s freestyle introduces a different vibe, polished, witty, and undeniably catchy, bridging the gap between street grit and mainstream finesse.
Both artists, proudly representing Edo State, continue to push the boundaries of Nigerian sound. Rema’s freestyle may be unofficial, but it’s already being dubbed one of the most exciting crossovers of the year, proof of the power in spontaneous musical moments.
The nominees for the 25th annual BET Awards have officially landed, and African artists are making their presence felt. From Lagos to Johannesburg, Dar es Salaam to Accra, a diverse slate of continental talent has secured nominations across major categories, underlining the global rise and influence of African music.This year, Nigerian pop powerhouse Ayra Starr leads the African contingent with three nods – Best Female R&B/Pop Artist, Best New Artist, and Best International Act. It's a signi
The nominees for the 25th annual BET Awards have officially landed, and African artists are making their presence felt. From Lagos to Johannesburg, Dar es Salaam to Accra, a diverse slate of continental talent has secured nominations across major categories, underlining the global rise and influence of African music.
This year, Nigerian pop powerhouse Ayra Starr leads the African contingent with three nods – Best Female R&B/Pop Artist, Best New Artist, and Best International Act. It's a significant moment for the 21-year-old, whose debut album, The Year I Turned 21, has positioned her as a standout voice in the Afro-pop landscape. Ayra's nomination haul cements her arrival as a local chart-topper and a fully-fledged global star.
Another Nigerian trailblazer, Tems, earned double nominations in the BET Her category for “Burning” and “Hold On,” both from her critically acclaimed debut Born In The Wild. Known for her introspective writing and haunting vocals, Tems continues to expand the boundaries of soul and R&B, infusing them with the spirit of Lagos while resonating with audiences worldwide.
Across the Best New International Act category, the spotlight turns to a new class of African talent defining the moment: Nigeria’s Shallipopi, UK-based Nigerian artist Odeal, South Africa’s Maglera Doe Boy, Tanzania’s Abigail Chams, and Durban’s genre-bending producer Dlala Thukzin all made the cut. It’s a testament to the explosive creativity bubbling from African scenes that increasingly set the pace for pop music at large.
Speaking on this year’s nominations, Senior Vice President & Co-General Manager at Paramount Africa and Lead at BET International, Monde Twala, reflected on the significance of this moment: “The 2025 nominations reflect the incredible creativity, influence, and impact of African artists who are shaping culture and pushing boundaries. These talents represent the diversity and heartbeat of a new generation, and the global resonance of our sounds.”
The awards continue to spotlight excellence across Black entertainment. US rapper Kendrick Lamar leads all nominees with ten nods, including Album of the Year for GNX and Video of the Year for “Not Like Us.” Rising star Doechii, with her genre-bending debut Alligator Bites Never Heal, earned six nominations, tying with Drake, Future, and GloRilla. Meanwhile, SZA and The Weeknd both earned four nominations each.
Celebrating its 25th anniversary this year, the BET Awards, dubbed “Culture’s Biggest Night”, returns to the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles on Tuesday, 10 June, broadcasting live on BET (DStv Channel 129 and GOtv Channel 21) at 01:00 WAT. The milestone event will also include the free 2-day BETX Fan Fest, co-produced by Live Nation Urban, with concerts, panel discussions, and community activations.
As African artists continue to break borders and redefine genre, their growing visibility at institutions like the BET Awards marks more than just individual wins; it’s a reflection of how the global cultural map is being redrawn.
The 2025 BET Awards nominations are in, and African artists feature prominently across major categories, marking another strong moment for the continent’s music on the global stage.
Ayra Starr leads the African contingent with three nominations: ‘Best Female R&B/Pop Artist’, ‘Best New Artist’, and ‘Best International Act’. These nominations reflect her expanding presence in both African and international music circles.
Tems earns two nominations in the ‘BET Her’ category for “Burning” and “
The 2025 BET Awards nominations are in, and African artists feature prominently across major categories, marking another strong moment for the continent’s music on the global stage.
Ayra Starr leads the African contingent with three nominations: ‘Best Female R&B/Pop Artist’, ‘Best New Artist’, and ‘Best International Act’. These nominations reflect her expanding presence in both African and international music circles.
Tems earns two nominations in the ‘BET Her’ category for “Burning” and “Hold On,” both from her debut album “Born In The Wild.”
Tems, already a global sensation, continues to break barriers, earning two nominations in the ‘BET Her’ category for her moving tracks, “Burning” and “Hold On”. These powerful songs from her debut album, “Born In The Wild,” not only showcase her signature emotional depth but also highlight her role as one of the most resonant voices in contemporary music.
Other African acts nominated this year include Rema, Burna Boy, Tyla, BlackSherif, and UncleWaffles. The ‘Best New International Act’ category also sees strong African representation, with Shallipopi, Odeal, MagleraDoeBoy, AbigailChams, and DlalaThukzin recognised for their work over the past year.
This year’s nominations point to the expanding global footprint of African music and the continued recognition of its artists on major international stages.
See the full list of nominees:
Album of the Year
$OME $EXY $ONGS 4 U – Drake & PARTYNEXTDOOR
11:11 Deluxe – Chris Brown
Alligator Bites Never Heal – Doechii
Cowboy Carter – Beyoncé
Glorious – GloRilla
GNX – Kendrick Lamar
Hurry Up Tomorrow – The Weeknd
We Don’t Trust You – Future & Metro Boomin
Best Female R&B/Pop Artist
Ayra Starr
Ari Lennox
Coco Jones
Kehlani
Muni Long
Summer Walker
SZA
Victoria Monét
Best Male R&B/Pop Artist
Bruno Mars
Chris Brown
Drake
Fridayy
Leon Thomas
Teddy Swims
The Weeknd
Usher
Best Group
41
Common & Pete Rock
Drake & PARTYNEXTDOOR
FLO
Future & Metro Boomin
Jacquees & Dej Loaf
Larry June, 2 Chainz, The Alchemist
Maverick City Music
Best Collaboration
30 for 30 – SZA feat. Kendrick Lamar
Alter Ego – Doechii feat. JT
Are You Even Real – Teddy Swims feat. GIVĒON
Beckham – Dee Billz feat. Kyle Richh, Kai Swervo, KJ Swervo
Bless – Lil Wayne, Wheezy & Young Thug
Like That – Future & Metro Boomin & Kendrick Lamar
Luther – Kendrick Lamar & SZA
Sticky – Tyler, the Creator feat. GloRilla, Sexyy Red & Lil Wayne
Timeless – The Weeknd feat. Playboi Carti
Best Female Hip Hop Artist
Cardi B
Doechii
Doja Cat
GloRilla
Latto
Megan Thee Stallion
Nicki Minaj
Rapsody
Sexyy Red
Best Male Hip Hop Artist
Burna Boy
BigXthaPlug
Bossman Dlow
Drake
Future
Kendrick Lamar
Key Glock
Lil Wayne
Tyler, the Creator
Video of the Year
3AM in Tokeyo – Key Glock
A Bar Song (Tipsy) – Shaboozey
After Hours – Kehlani
Denial is a River – Doechii
Family Matters – Drake
Not Like Us – Kendrick Lamar
Timeless – The Weeknd feat. Playboi Carti
Type Shit – Future, Metro Boomin, Travis Scott & Playboi Carti
Video Director of the Year
Anderson .Paak
B Pace Productions & Jacquees
Benny Boom
Cactus Jack
Cole Bennett
Dave Free & Kendrick Lamar
Dave Meyers
Foggieraw
Tyler, the Creator
Best New Artist
41
Ayra Starr
BigXthaPlug
Bossman Dlow
Dee Billz
Leon Thomas
October London
Shaboozey
Teddy Swims
Dr. Bobby Jones Best Gospel/Inspirational Award
A God (There Is) – Common & Pete Rock feat. Jennifer Hudson
Amen – Pastor Mike Jr.
Better Days – Fridayy
Church Doors – Yolanda Adams feat. Sir The Baptist & Donald Lawrence (Terry Hunter Remix)
Constant – Maverick City Music, Jordin Sparks, Chandler Moore & Anthony Gargiula
Deserve to Win – Tamela Mann
Faith – Rapsody
Rain Down on Me – GloRilla feat. Kirk Franklin, Maverick City Music
Viewer’s Choice Award
Residuals – Chris Brown
Denial is a River – Doechii
Nokia – Drake
Like That – Future & Metro Boomin feat. Kendrick Lamar
TGIF – GloRilla
Not Like Us – Kendrick Lamar
Luther – Kendrick Lamar & SZA
Brokey – Latto
Best International Act
Any Gabrielly (Brazil)
Ayra Starr (Nigeria)
Bashy (United Kingdom)
Black Sherif (Ghana)
Ezra Collective (United Kingdom)
Joé Dwèt Filé (France)
MC Luanna (Brazil)
Rema (Nigeria)
SDM (France)
Tyla (South Africa)
Uncle Waffles (Swaziland)
Best New International Act
Abigail Chams (Tanzania)
Ajuliacosta (Brazil)
Amabbi (Brazil)
Dlala Thukzin (South Africa)
Dr Yaro (France)
KWN (United Kingdom)
Maglera Doe Boy (South Africa)
Merveille (France)
Odeal (United Kingdom)
Shallipopi (Nigeria)
TxC (South Africa)
BET Her
Beautiful People – Mary J. Blige
Blackbiird – Beyoncé feat. Tanner Adell, Brittney Spencer, Tiera Kennedy & Reyna Roberts
Bloom – Doechii
Burning – Tems
Defying Gravity – Cynthia Erivo feat. Ariana Grande
Photo Credit: The Headies/Instagram
The 2025 Headies Awards brought together artists and entertainers from across the continent for a night of music, fashion, and recognition. Held in Lagos, the show featured performances, tributes, and appearances that marked another major moment for African music and culture.
The night opened with Blaqbonez performing ‘Like Ice Spice,’ followed by Ayomaff with ‘Dealer‘ and Qing Madi with ‘American Love.’
The Orchestra Choir followed with a vocal performance. O
The 2025 Headies Awards brought together artists and entertainers from across the continent for a night of music, fashion, and recognition. Held in Lagos, the show featured performances, tributes, and appearances that marked another major moment for African music and culture.
The Orchestra Choir followed with a vocal performance. Odumodublvck performed Pity This Boy,’ and LAX followed with ‘Caro.’ During his set, JumaJux stepped down from the stage for a sweet moment with his wife, joining her in a short choreography, that made one of the night’s most heartwarming scenes.
Performances continued with Shallipopi‘s ‘Cast’ and ‘Laho,’ keeping the energy high throughout the evening.
The red carpet featured appearances by the newly weds Juma Jux and PriscillaOjo, ChiomaGoodhair, Waje, Liquorose, FarouqOreagba, AnnieMacaulay, AYMakun, Bovi, and more celebrities.
Kunle Remi and Bambam brought full Odogwu and Achalugo vibes as they presented the award for Best Vocal Performance (Male), adding flair and elegance to the stage.
The emotions swelled once more when the family of the late Mohbad stepped forward to receive his posthumous award for Best Street Hop Artist. His wife gave a short moving speech and a tribute that celebrated his life and music.
As the evening drew to a close, Flavour took the stage for a performance that marked the end of the ceremony. His rich voice and commanding presence brought the night full circle, leaving the audience with a lingering sense of pride, unity, and celebration.
You’ve heard the latest version of Shallipopi’s ‘Laho,’ ‘Laho II.’ It’s the new remix, though not quite a remix, as Burna Boy clarified. According to him, what we first got was actually the remix, and this newly released version is the original track, which couldn’t be released earlier due to certain constraints.
But now that it’s finally out and complete with a music video that breathes fresh life into the song, we’re certain you’re already humming that chorus: “Minister of enjoyment, Intercon
You’ve heard the latest version of Shallipopi’s ‘Laho,’ ‘Laho II.’ It’s the new remix, though not quite a remix, as Burna Boy clarified. According to him, what we first got was actually the remix, and this newly released version is the original track, which couldn’t be released earlier due to certain constraints.
But now that it’s finally out and complete with a music video that breathes fresh life into the song, we’re certain you’re already humming that chorus: “Minister of enjoyment, Intercontinental, Monumental, We go live forever.”
True to the song’s lively–carefree theme, the video follows suit. We see Shallipopi and Burna Boy vibing together in various scenes, performing side by side on stage, sharing moments backstage, and dancing as they sing along to their brand new track.
It’s everything you’d expect from the duo, and more.
Lagos is getting ready to light up as one of Nigeria’s biggest nights in music is just around the corner. The 17th edition of The Headies is happening on 27 April 2025, and yes, the stage is set for an unforgettable show.
The lineup is a solid mix of favourites and fresh faces. Chike is bringing his smooth, soulful vibes; Qing Madi is set to thrill with her Afro-R&B fusion; and Shallipopi is coming through with all the energy that’s made him a street-hop star. Add Nasboi, who’s got that per
Lagos is getting ready to light up as one of Nigeria’s biggest nights in music is just around the corner. The 17th edition of The Headies is happening on 27 April 2025, and yes, the stage is set for an unforgettable show.
The lineup is a solid mix of favourites and fresh faces. Chike is bringing his smooth, soulful vibes; QingMadi is set to thrill with her Afro-R&B fusion; and Shallipopi is coming through with all the energy that’s made him a street-hop star. Add Nasboi, who’s got that perfect mix of music and humour, and Flavour, the king of highlife himself — and we’ve got a night to remember.
This edition of The Headies will spotlight the best of 2024’s music, celebrating the artists and sounds that defined the year. And guess what? There’s more. This is just the first. The 18th edition is also happening later in December. Two Headies in one year? We’re not complaining.
So, mark your calendars, the countdown to The Headies 2025 has officially begun.
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